Policy Analysis and Stakeholders Insights to Achieve SDGs in Kurashiki, Japan: Opportunities and Challenges of Applying Big Data to SDG Localization

ABSTRACT: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of policy and stakeholder insights related to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kurashiki, Japan. It critically examines both the opportunities and the inherent challenges of harnessing big data and open data technologies for SDG localization in the context of a medium-sized city. In the field of sustainable urban development, especially within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it has become crucial to understand the role of advanced technology and data analytics in policy formulation and implementation. While megacities are often at the center of such discussions, cities such as small and medium-sized ones are equally compelling due to their unique challenges and opportunities. As an SDGs future city in Japan, Kurashiki City, SDGs-related policies and initiatives that are gaining prominence in the region, especially policies that utilize big data and open data to advance the SDGs. This study first contextualizes the SDGs within the global and Japanese frameworks, providing insights into the critical role of big data and technology in improving the effectiveness of policies to achieve the goals. Secondly, it highlights Kurashiki’s unique challenges and opportunities. It explores the city’s current strategies and measures for implementing the SDGs by using a mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative analysis, including policy analysis and stakeholder interviews. Key findings suggest that while Kurashiki has made significant progress in aligning with the SDGs, there are still areas that can be greatly improved regarding big data and open data technology integration. The research identified gaps in the current literature and provided insights from local stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and community groups. The findings emphasize the importance of contextualized strategies, public-private partnerships, and adaptive technology infrastructure and establish a stakeholder policy implementation framework that attempts to serve as a guide for similar medium-sized cities aiming to harness big data and open data in their quest for sustainable development. It concludes with targeted recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in Kurashiki, emphasizing the need for a more integrated, data-driven approach to effectively achieve the SDGs.